The North Shore is expected to receive approximately 15 inches of snow beginning Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service.
Snow is forecast to begin around 9 p.m. Sunday and continue through late Monday morning, with a winter storm watch in effect from Sunday morning through Monday evening across much of Massachusetts.
Gov. Maura Healey urged residents Friday to stay indoors during the storm due to freezing temperatures and hazardous travel conditions. Those who must go outside should dress in layers and avoid exposing skin to the cold, she said.
State and local officials are encouraging residents to prepare for potential power outages by charging electronic devices, ensuring batteries are available for medical or assistive equipment, and stocking emergency kits.
Homeowners are advised to use caution with space heaters, fireplaces, and wood-burning stoves. Generators should never be used indoors, including in open garages. Officials also recommend testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries as needed, and checking appliance exhaust vents for snow or ice.
Residents should clear snow and ice at least 3 feet around fire hydrants and take steps to prevent frozen pipes by allowing hot and cold water to drip overnight and opening cabinet doors to allow heat to reach uninsulated pipes. Pipes should not be thawed with open flames; a hair dryer is recommended.
Heat should be left on and set to at least 55 degrees, officials said. If heat is lost, residents should wear layers, including hats, and close off unused rooms.
Healey also noted that the state’s winter utility shutoff moratorium is in effect, preventing utilities from being shut off during the cold-weather period.
Parking Bans and Local Impacts
Lynn
A parking ban will take effect at 9 a.m. Sunday, with blue emergency lights activating at 6 a.m. Vehicles left on city streets will be towed and subject to a $195 tow fee and a $150 ticket.
Towed vehicles will be located at the Lynn Ferry Terminal site, 389 Blossom St., with a $35 daily storage fee.
Trash and recycling pickup will be canceled on Monday and delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Expected snowfall: 10 to 15 inches.
Lynnfield
Town officials urged residents to check homes and properties to prevent frozen or burst pipes and heating system failures. Residents should ensure heating fuel supplies are adequate, close outdoor spigots, and monitor water meter areas, particularly in crawl spaces. Town Administrator Rob Dolan said, “This is probably going to be the largest storm we had in four to five years.”
He added, “The heart of this storm is going to be, basically, the start of the Patriots game at 3 p.m. and running to 7 a.m. Monday. During those times, we can see three inches of snow in an hour, so that’s the heart of the storm.”
“When the Patriots game gets out, according to our sources and our DPW, it will be the heart of the storm. I know we are from New England, but we haven’t driven in a massive storm in a long time,” he said.
He added, “So I would ask you, if you can, to stay home or stay within the neighborhood where you do not have to drive.”
Dolan said, “We have enough staff and contractors and DPW employees that we could possibly have.
“The one word that I would ask all the citizens of Lynnfield to remember is patience, you’re not going to wake up on Monday, and everything is going to be clean,” he added.
Questions can be directed to Lynnfield DPW at 781-334-9500 or LCWD at 781-334-3901.
Expected snowfall: 16 to 20 inches.
Marblehead
A snow emergency parking ban will begin at noon Sunday and remain in effect until roads are deemed safe, likely Monday afternoon. Vehicles may be ticketed or towed.
Expected snowfall: 8 to 12 inches.
Nahant
A winter parking ban, in effect from Dec. 21 through March 20, prohibits street and sidewalk parking from midnight to 6 a.m. The Nahant Police Department urges residents to check on elderly neighbors. For no emergencies, call 781-581-1212.
Expected snowfall: 10 to 15 inches.
Peabody
A citywide emergency parking ban will take effect at 9 a.m. Sunday. St. Adelaide will not hold religious services on Monday.
Expected snowfall: 8 to 10 inches.
Swampscott
A parking ban will begin at 9 a.m. Sunday and remain in effect until 7 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27. Vehicles left on the street will be ticketed and towed. Information is available through the Swampscott Police Department at 781-595-1111.
Parking will be available at Phillips Park and the Hawthorne parking lot, but vehicles must be removed by Tuesday morning.
Expected snowfall: 10 to 15 inches.
Saugus
Town Manager Scott Crabtree issued a parking ban beginning at noon on Sunday. Emergency shelters will be activated if needed due to power outages or heating issues. Residents needing assistance should contact Saugus Emergency Management at 781-231-4175 or call 911.
Expected snowfall: 10 to 15 inches.
